Title: Purgatory
Artist: Impurfekt
Genre: Electro / Industrial
Release Date: 2008
Label: None
Album Review
“We are imperfect, we are finite, we are fragile. To deny, ignore, or reject that truth is to do the same to one’s self. Be who you are. Embrace your frailty. Cast aside any ideal which suggests otherwise.” That’s what is to read on the MySpace page of IMPURFEKT, the project of Aaron Russell, musically inspired by the early SKINNY PUPPY, IN STRICT CONFIDENCE and VELVET ACID CHRIST. ‘Purgatory’ is Aaron’s debut release with IMPURFEKT.
And he’s gonna pull things off with the ‘Dark Prelude’, but it’s not entirely dark as the title suggests, even if it’s started by dark ambient clouds gathering up and later on is supported by a distorted rhythm array, the dark haze lifts now and then to spray a melancholic and in a way, freeing mood, before it drifts into the abysms again and Aaron adds his incredibly distorted vocals. Now we’re ‘Ascending The Abyss’, starting so calm with echoing acoustic (synth) guitars and strings, that the sudden change coming with the monstrous beats hits you quite off-guard, but soon the crisp atmospheres enfold you and makes you blend in with its emotionality. “Follow my Light in the darkness; I will guide you from this hell.”
‘The Village’ strays off from the path of too heavy electronics for a while and even though its mood harbours melancholy in its core it’s never to be sad in its entirely and seems to bear a spirit of hope. For the very first time we can hear Aaron’s clean voice, floating on the expansive soundscapes. A song to dream. Again we’re welcomed by synthesized guitar tunes and strings on the title-giving track ‘Purgatory’ only that they’re seem to sound through a barrier of rain this time. That’s only the interlude to grinding industrial quakes, but even if those beats are heavy, they’re almost suspended by the layers and layers of atmospherics.
‘The Frozen Plain’ is a short instrumental piece that – through its sound characteristics – appears to be descending from another time. Close your Eyes and let it take you far away with piano and strings. ‘Vengeance’ takes on a menacing shape as the superior tones of a church organ waft through the air underlined with choirs. The track is a little more straight-forward; still it’s nothing I could imagine to work in clubs. It all has to be simple nowadays and with lyrics you can ignore for the most part. On’ Vengeance’ Aaron’s vocals have more of an instrument. You’ll only notice them as an evil hissing, spitting out its thirst for revenge, reflecting in the lyrics as well. “I will have my vengeance.”
Hard to believe that this is a debut release with this kind of sound. The melodies and the atmospheric networks spun in the tracks are great, but I’d like to hear some more twists and edges in the rhythm section on a possible future release. Guess that would take IMPURFEKT to a new level.
Tracklist
01. Dark Prelude – 5:48
02. Ascending the Abyss – 4:42
03. The Light above – 7:23
04. The Village – 6:28
05. Purgatory – 5:14
06. The Frozen Plain – 2:57
07. Ancient Technology – 3:07
08. Inside – 4 :56
09. Descend – 4 :17
10. Vengeance – 3 :35
11. Omni – 4 :06
12. Joined with Forever – 4:37
13. Inside (Dismantled Remix) – 3:22
14. Purgatory (Aether Remix) – 10:02
Line-up
Aaron Russell – Music, Lyrics, Vocals
Website
http://www.myspace.com/impurfekt
Cover Picture
Rating
Music: 8
Sound: 7
Extras: -
Total: 7.5 / 10
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